Out of Sorts

Ferdinand Brun hasn’t always been a grumpy old man. Many years ago, he was a grumpy young man. Now he’d much rather spend time with his canine companion, Daisy, than any of his nosy neighbors. But as his behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his daughter grows concerned and begins to consider moving him into a retirement home.

In order to maintain his freedom, Ferdinand must submit to an apartment inspection by his longtime enemy, the iron-fisted concierge, Mrs. Suarez. Unfortunately, he’s never tidied up a day in his life. His neighbors, precocious ten-year-old Juliette and vivacious ninety-two-year-old Beatrice, come to the rescue. And once he lets these two into his life, things will never be the same. After an eighty-three-year reign of grouchiness, Ferdinand may finally learn that it’s never too late to start living.

Aurélie Valognes was born and raised close to Paris, France. After business school studies, she began working for American companies and spent the early part of her career as a brand manager, working and traveling across Europe. Only when she and her husband had the opportunity to move from their home country for an international assignment in Italy did Aurélie rekindle her love for writing. Out of Sorts (originally published as Mémé dans les orties) became a bestseller in France. It has been translated into many languages. She lives in Milan with her husband and three-year-old son and is working on her second novel.

For more information, visit www.aurelie-valognes.com.